Frequently Asked Questions
HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION?
Each session lasts for 50 minutes and is held at the same time and place each week.
WHERE DO I NEED TO COME FOR SESSIONS?
For the majority of my week I practice from a dedicated space in my garden, near Devizes. I also hold a small practice on a Tuesday from the Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre in Old Town, Swindon.
HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?
I believe that a good therapeutic outcome is cultivated and nurtured by the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. For me, the therapeutic alliance that we share is the fertile soil from which relational hope in the wider context can grow. Our initial session will give us the opportunity to gain a sense of this, however, I am aware that it may take longer. We can review it together, if it feels necessary, as we move forward.
WHAT SORT OF COMMITMENT DO I NEED TO MAKE TO THERAPY?
Psychotherapy can be a slow process and is most beneficial when allowing for a long-term relationship between us to strengthen and unfold. A commitment to this allows for the gradual building of trust and understanding. The work is initiated on an open-ended basis. The ending is an important part of the psychotherapeutic process and we need to discuss it, as the need arises, in order to work together to enable the most therapeutic outcome possible.
If there is a need to work on a particular issue for a limited period of time, then short-term therapy or Counselling can also be effective. In this instance I would suggest that we agree our objectives at the outset.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
My commitment is to hold the space open for you at the same place and time each week. Your commitment is to attend and to pay for each session. On the whole, I take my leave during the standard holiday periods – Christmas, Easter, Summer, half-terms – and will inform you of the dates in advance. If for any reason I need to take leave outside of these periods I will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible. You are not required to pay for sessions during my leave or, on the rare occasion, that I may need to cancel.
In addition to my leave you are entitled to take 2 sessions leave on a rolling year. These need to be booked in advance with at least 7 days notice. Any cancelled sessions, including an initial, will be charged for.
CONFIDENTIALITY
I will ask you to sign a confidentiality agreement when we begin therapy. This agreement allows me to share some material from our sessions with my supervisor and within my written work. I would never disclose your identity. As a psychotherapist in training this is an important part of my progression to qualification. All personal data is stored safely, and I adhere to GDPR (General Data Protection Policy Regulation). For more information, please look at my Confidentiality page.
